Get ready for a cosmic metal journey as VOIVOD, Canada's visionary heavyweights, announce their upcoming U.S. tour in October 2026. This tour promises to be an epic adventure, showcasing the band's unique blend of progressive and thrash metal, a style that has earned them a place among the 'big four' Canadian thrash metal bands.
The tour, spanning ten cities, will kick off on October 8th in Youngstown, Ohio, and will feature support from the Richmond-based metal-punk trio, BAT. This collaboration is sure to create an explosive and energetic atmosphere, appealing to fans of both genres.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this tour is the temporary absence of VOIVOD's frontman, Denis 'Snake' Bélanger, who is taking time to attend to a family matter. His temporary replacement, Eric Forrest, a former VOIVOD member and current vocalist/bassist of E-FORCE, has already proven his mettle on the band's recent European tour. This shift in lineup adds an element of surprise and showcases the band's resilience and adaptability.
VOIVOD's musical journey is a testament to their enduring influence and creativity. Their breakthrough came in the late 1980s with the release of 'Nothingface', an album that not only topped the Billboard charts but also solidified their place as one of the most innovative metal bands of their time. Their unique sound, a fusion of speed, progressive, and thrash metal, has inspired and influenced countless artists across various genres.
The band's recent collaborations with symphony orchestras further highlight their artistic evolution and ambition. Their live album, 'Symphonique', a collaboration with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, is a masterpiece that blends metal with classical strains, creating an epic cinematic experience. This album, recorded live in Québec City, is a testament to VOIVOD's ability to push boundaries and create something truly unique.
VOIVOD's story is one of perseverance and artistic evolution. Their official documentary, 'We Are Connected', premiered in 2024, delves into the band's 40-year legacy, from their explosive beginnings in Jonquière to their global success and collaborations with metal icons like IRON MAIDEN and METALLICA. The film also explores the band's lows, including the tragic loss of co-founding guitarist Dennis 'Piggy' D'Amour, an event that many believed would mark the end of VOIVOD. However, the band's resilience and creative spirit prevailed, as evidenced by their continued success and critical acclaim.
Their official biography, 'Always Moving - The Strange Multiverse Of Voivod', provides an in-depth look at the band's extraordinary career, drawing on exclusive interviews and insights from those closest to the band. Author Jeff Wagner captures the full scope of VOIVOD's journey, from their raw early years to their tech-prog heights and ultimate triumph.
As VOIVOD gears up for their U.S. tour, they continue to tour in support of their latest album, 'Morgöth Tales', which has received widespread acclaim and won the 2023 Juno Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Album in Canada. This album, a collection of re-recorded classics and new material, showcases the band's ability to reinvent and evolve while staying true to their unique sound.
In my opinion, VOIVOD's upcoming tour is a must-see for any metal fan. Their ability to continuously innovate and adapt, coupled with their rich history and enduring influence, makes them a truly iconic and inspiring force in the metal scene. This tour promises to be a celebration of their legacy and a showcase of their enduring creativity and resilience.
